So you’ve graduated from high school and you’re ready for the summer to wrap up so you can head off to college! Heck yes! It’s legitimately incredibly exciting. But don’t get so excited that you fly the nest without stocking up on everything you’ll need to make dorm life as good as it can possibly be. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of the most important items you’ll want in the car when you head out. The best part is that we’ve found them at prices that won’t leave you wondering how you’re going to pay tuition. So now’s the time to have a bit of fun: go on the shopping spree that’s actually practical. You’re setting yourself up for the first stage of adult life, and you’re going to need storage, décor, and probably a few other goodies too. Your dorm room will be the best place to hang out.
These Wall Hooks Use Suction and Won’t Damage Walls
Most dorms have pretty strict rules about what you can and can’t use on the walls, but you still want to have some personality. Use these suction cup hooks to hang your art without damaging the walls.
Show Off Your Taste
Are you a movie buff? A great way to show off your personality is with this top 100 movies poster. Scratch off each movie as you watch it so your friends can see just how well-versed you are in film.
Add More Storage Behind the Door
Dorm rooms are not famous for being spacious, so it’s a good idea to have a lot of strategies for good storage. Use this over the door storage to optimize your space and easily organize everything from purses to shoes.
This One’s for Record Lovers
If you like to play records, now is a great time to start sharing that love with other people. Get this record holder so anyone who visits your room can check out your collection, and you can find the perfect album for any occasion.
This Add-On Drawer Is So Handy
If your dorm room comes with a desk, it may not have a ton of drawer space. Grab this anything holder, which attaches to the bottom of a desk and gives you an extra drawer. It’s perfect for pens, post-it notes, and all the other small items you want right at hand.
Maximize Your Space
These shoe organizers are actually super handy for way more than just shoes. They’re super spacious and can hold all kinds of things, including scarves or jackets. They fit neatly under your bed or in the closet.
This Laundry Hamper Looks Uber Classy
Everyone in a college dorm gets the same plastic laundry hamper, but you can do better than that. Get this gorgeous bamboo hamper that will last you way longer and look much better.
These Hangers Do More
If you’re low on closet space, these hangers are your perfect solution. Each one can hold multiple shirts or dresses, so you can fit more. You can even use them to organize your clothes by type.
It’s Always Smart to Have Towels on Hand
You may not have a kitchen in your dorm room, but it’s still a good idea to have some kitchen towels around. They’re useful for a surprising number of things, whether it’s cleaning up spills or using the dorm kitchen.
Show Off Your Accessories in This Tray
I love this method of organizing and adding some personality all in one. This vanity tray has a beautiful marbled pattern that screams “I have amazing taste” and gives you a place to keep your accessories.
How Cool Would These Painted Rocks Be?
OK, OK, hear me out but I think it would be amazing to get this rock painting kit and take rocks from around campus to decorate your dorm room. The cheapest way to create decor that is 100% you.
Put Pep in Your Step
One thing you don’t want to be without during college is caffeine. I swear by this super solid French press that will give you an amazing brew without breaking the bank. Plus you don’t have to worry about it breaking after just a month.
You’ll Love These Colorful Pillowcases
Your bedding is one area you can express a lot of personality, so I highly recommend snagging yourself a couple of these super colorful pillowcases. They’re incredibly soft, wrinkle and stain resistant, and even work to stay cool all night long.
This Trash Can Will Help You Keep Things Clean
Most dorm rooms don’t come with a trash can already there, so do not forget to pick one up before you go. I’m a fan of this mesh trash can: it’s just the right size, holds a good amount, and looks good.
If You’re an Artist, You Need These Sketchbooks
It’s always a good idea to stock up on notebooks and paper before a new school year, but these sketchbooks are especially important if you’re an artist or are planning on taking any art classes.
Keep Your Snacks in These Colorful Containers
No one likes a dorm room without any snacks, so you’ll want to have a healthy number of these little food containers. They’re the perfect size for your parents to fill with goodies when you visit home.
Is Anything More Fun Than Burrito Blanket?
Here’s the thing: I’m pretty sure that every human needs a burrito blanket. Now is just a good excuse to buy one.
It’s So Useful to Have a Sewing Kit
A sewing kit is one of those things you probably never think about until you’re on your own for the first time, then you realize how useful it is to have a way to patch small tears or rips in your clothes. You definitely want one, just in case.
Use These Spray Bottles for Everything from Cleaning to Plants
You’d be surprised at how useful it is to have a couple of spray bottles on hand in your dorm room. I use mine to water my plants, but you can also use them for cleaning sprays or to spray anyone in your room who’s simply annoying you.
Nothing Beats These Storage Bins
These are my go-to option when it comes to adding more storage to any space. These bins fold up when I don’t need them, then open to a super spacious size. They come in plenty of colors and look way nicer than anything in plastic.
Add Some Coziness
One of the fastest and easiest ways to make your dorm room different from the hundreds of other dorm rooms is to add a rug. This one is beautifully plush and will help your floor feel softer and more welcoming.
Add Personal Flair
Looking for some sassy artwork to display in your dorm room? These posters are a perfect fit. Display them in frames, hang them with double-sided tape, or get creative in how you show them off.
This Macrame Is So Popular Right Now
Speaking of decoration, you’ll love this macrame hanging. It looks way more grown-up than just hanging posters, but it’s not super expensive. You’ll quickly gain a reputation as someone with great taste.
These Light-Up Lips Show Your Personality
Want some decor with a little more flavor? These light-up lips are just the thing. When they’re on you’ll get the best blue light glow, and even when they’re off they’ll add a ton of visual interest to your space.
You’ll Love This Handled Laundry Basket
Most dorm rooms require you to take your laundry down the hall or even across campus to get to the washer and dryer. One of the best investments you can make is in this handled laundry basket that makes it incredibly easy to cart your laundry around.
Don’t Worry About Killing These Plants
I tend to kill plants, but I still like having greenery in my space. Especially in a generic room like a dorm, it gives a lot of life to the atmosphere. If you want something easy, get yourself these faux vines that cover a ton of space and totally change the vibe of your room.
This Metal Hanging Is So Classy
Here’s a simple but bold statement piece that will give your walls a lot more personality: a metal hanging with the phases of the moon. Especially good if you want to go a bit gothic.
This Throw Pillow Has The Best Witchy Vibes
Speaking of gothic, anyone with remotely witchy vibes will love this tarot card throw pillow. If you have a couch or chair, you’re going to want some extra pillows to make things even comfier and this one serves looks while it does it.
A Makeup Mirror That Fits Anywhere
If you use makeup, get ready to have way worse lighting and mirror set up than you did at home. The easiest way to upgrade your space is with this low-cost tabletop makeup mirror that has built-in lights and multiple magnification levels.
Stay Organized
College is likely the first time you’ll be managing your own schedule 100% on your own. Make it easy on yourself by buying a whiteboard calendar that you can update each month. It’ll keep you on track.
This Table Lamp Is Serious Industrial Mood
Most dorm rooms only have harsh overhead lighting, so if you want other options you’ll have to provide them yourself. I personally love this industrial-style table lamp that gives off a warm light and a vibe.
Skip the Bedside Table
It’s super common to loft beds in a dorm room for more space, but it means that you can’t really use a bedside table. Solve that problem with this wall organizer that can hold your phone, a book, and any other little items you want at hand.
Bring Some Plant Children
A true power move is to roll up to college with your own plants, so if you want to be one of the most put-together people in the dorm you should probably buy this set of succulents.
This Alarm Clock Is Super Sleek
Having a good alarm clock is a must as a freshman because you’re most likely to have early morning classes. This mirror clock has been making the rounds on TikTok and it’s obvious why: I love the oversized numbers and the futuristic feel of the mirror.
Bring Your Memories from Home
Even though you’re heading out on your own, you don’t want to leave home behind completely. You definitely want to bring some photos of your family and friends. A great way to display them is with this bulletin board photo collage. It has space for tons of photos and you even get a small corkboard for reminders and knickknacks.
You’ll Want a Full-Length Mirror
There’s no way you’re going to score a dorm room with a proper mirror. The most practical way to add one to your space is on the back of your door. I highly recommend this hanging mirror.
Keep Your Desk Organized
One of the most important spaces in your dorm room is your desk: you’re going to be doing a lot of studying after all. Keep it looking nice and neat with this desk organizer that has dedicated spaces for everything you’ll need.